Meth Contamination of Residential Buildings

A meth lab – or clandestine drug lab – is a place where illegally produce Methamphetamine ‘meth’ is manufactured or “cooked.”

Other drugs may be manufactured or processed along with meth.

Materials used in a meth lab are commonly used and readily available and the manufacturing involves poisonous, flammable, and explosive chemicals that emit strong, toxic fumes, it is these chemicals that contaminate a building and the remaining fumes from a crude methamphetamine lab can be extremely toxic.

Exposure to the by-products of the chemical reaction remaining in a building is very dangerous to attempt decontamination.

A further complication is that the “cooking” methods for meth frequently change so the proper remediation for a given lab site cannot be assumed from previous known lab methods.

Meth contamination of residential buildings

There is a very real issue that’s potentially affecting the health of tenants and contaminating homes in Australia to the point where it can cost a landlord many tens of thousands of dollars to remediate.

The issue is methamphetamine (meth) contamination caused, not only by undetected meth labs, but also the smoking of crystal meth inside residential properties.

80% of homes testing positive to meth contamination in New Zealand are contaminated by users smoking crystal meth.

Health issues that have been directly related to inhabitants of a meth contaminated property include:

Respiratory problems – especially those suffering from asthma.

Behaviour problems – in young children.

Sleep pattern changes – in children.

Increased susceptibility to illness.

Eye and skin irritation.

50% of all NZ Government rentals that have been tested for contamination have returned a positive test.

There are close to 400 NZ Government rental properties tagged uninhabitable due to meth contamination.

Australia and New Zealand have the same 0.5μg (micrograms) per 100cm² threshold for contamination.

Some NZ banks are even with holding funds for the purchase of an ex rental until a negative meth test is produced.

Is it happening in Australia? – Yes …

We have the highest number of meth users per capita in the English speaking world. 2.1% of Australia’s 2015 population (503,448) have reported using crystal meth.

These users are reporting more regular and frequent consumption.

Meth will be absorbed by any porous material and will not go away until it is removed. Painting over it will not solve the problem either as meth will eat its way through paint.

The above information was provided by IPSM Australia, please check their website this is an important resource about Meth contaminated properties: http://www.ipsmaustralia.com.au

Australia is in the grip of an ice epidemic

According to an ABC report in January 2015:

“Australia is in the grip of an ice epidemic and hundreds of clandestine drug labs are springing up around the country each year, in suburban homes, motels and even in car boots and trucks. Authorities warn the labs are leaving a toxic legacy, with meth cooks contaminating properties with a cocktail of deadly chemicals and dumping the waste in national parks and waterways.”

Smoking Crystal Ice inside – Australia has the highest number of meth users in the English-speaking world.

Lower contamination levels generally below 100mµ/100cm²

Who is responsible to ensure a premises is safe for habitation?

The property owner is ultimately responsible to ensure a premise is safe for habitation, after the discovery of a meth contamination above 0.5 micrograms in a space 10cm square, under Australian Laws (EPA & Local Govt).

Remediation Required – Where a test reveals contamination above 0.5 μg/100cm2 the Appropriate Authority issues a Pollution Control/Prohibition Order or other Environmental Order against the property (and owner).

Remediation cleaning will then be required to remove hazardous levels of methamphetamine, after which an independent test is then completed to confirm if remediation has been successful.

If readings are below the 0.5 μg/100cm2 then a clearance will be issued, otherwise further remediation may be necessary.

Garth Brown’s Comments

This problem has recently been bought to my attention and we think it is important to bring it to the attention of our Readers as next time you are considering buying a Property this is a serious issue you should enquire about and ask questions as unsuspecting purchasers are being caught.

A recent report in the Herald Sun and Courier Mail in June 2016 highlights the seriousness of the problem in an account of a “Family’s nightmare move” in Victoria.

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Garth Brown is the Founder and Director of Brown and Brown Conveyancers one of Sydney’s leading Conveyancing Firms. With 20 years experience as a practicing Conveyancer he has assisted hundreds of Clients to navigate through the maze of conveyancing issues when buying and selling property. Visit www.conveyancers.net.au/

'Meth Contamination of Residential Buildings' have 2 comments

I am just going through this now as a property owner. Sadly insurance won’t cover the whole cost of remediation. I have to replace all light fittings, switches, powerpoints, appliances, air conditioners, internal doors, repaint and repolish floors at my expense. So far about 25k for the remediation and 20k on replacing everything. These disgusting pests walk away free to the next house, even though they were initially arrested by police. There needs to be some sort of register that landlords/property managers can use so that they cannot rent anywhere else ever.

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